In a renewed effort to empower young Nigerians and drive inclusive economic growth, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to strengthen youth employability and entrepreneurship across key sectors.
The partnership, formalized in Lagos, marks a deepening of UNDP’s collaboration with the Lagos State Government to co-create a dynamic, future-ready workforce. Under the agreement, more than 2,000 young people will be trained in creative, digital, and renewable energy industries, while support will also be extended to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—the backbone of job creation and innovation in Nigeria.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria Ms. Elsie Attafuah emphasized that the initiative recognizes young people not merely as beneficiaries but as active drivers of sustainable development.
“Young people are not just the future; they are the present force driving innovation, productivity, and growth. By investing in them, we are investing in Nigeria’s progress,” she stated.
The collaboration aims to equip participants with cutting-edge technical and entrepreneurial skills, foster innovation, and create sustainable livelihoods in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
UNDP commended the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for its commitment to creating opportunities for youth and building resilient communities.
“Our partnership with Lagos State reflects a shared vision—to unlock the potential of young Nigerians and empower them to lead solutions for the future,” the UNDP representative added.
The UNDP-LSETF initiative highlights the importance of strategic public-private partnerships in accelerating youth employment, boosting productivity, and shaping a more inclusive, innovative Nigerian economy.
